Create Unit 1 - Introduction to Application Security.md

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OWASP-Top-10-Secure-Coding-Best-Practices/Student Materials/Unit 1 - Introduction to Application Security.md

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+# Unit 1 - Introduction to Application Security
+
+![Cybersecurity Image](# "Person holding a tablet with a cybersecurity lock icon")
+
+## Introduction and Overview
+
+- **Understand Application Security Fundamentals:** Build a foundational understanding of application security.
+- **Grasp the Core Concepts of Application Security:** Delve into the essential elements of application security.
+- **Recognize the Importance of Secure Coding Practices in the SDLC:** Emphasize secure coding from planning to deployment.
+
+## Course Overview and Objectives
+
+### Purpose
+Set the stage for the course, outlining participant learning outcomes.
+
+### Key Goals
+- Understand secure coding's importance.
+- Familiarize with the OWASP Top 10.
+- Apply security best practices in software development.
+
+## Defining Application Security
+
+- **Definition:** Application security encompasses protective measures throughout an app's lifecycle.
+- **Components:** Include security considerations in development and deployment.
+
+## The Role and Importance of Secure Coding
+
+- **Significance:** Secure coding is the backbone of application security, impacting an organization's security posture.
+- **Best Practices:** Introduce secure coding practices to preemptively address vulnerabilities.
+
+## Introduction to the OWASP Top 10
+
+- **Overview:** Present the OWASP Top 10, highlighting critical web application security risks.
+- **Purpose:** Prepare participants to understand the significance in secure coding.
+
+## Key Concepts in Application Security
+
+- **Fundamentals:** Explore foundational concepts such as threat modeling and risk management.
+- **Implementation:** Apply these concepts to build secure applications.
+
+## The Cost of Ignoring Application Security
+
+- **Introduction to the Risks:** Emphasize the critical nature of application security in the digital landscape.
+- **Financial Consequences:** Outline the direct and indirect costs associated with security breaches.
+- **Reputational Damage:** Discuss the impact of breaches on customer trust and brand reputation.
+- **Preventative Measures:** Advocate for proactive security measures and a robust security culture.
+
+## Application Security in the SDLC
+
+- **Requirements Gathering:** Define security alongside functional requirements.
+- **Design:** Anticipate threats with threat modeling and secure design principles.
+- **Development:** Guide developers with secure coding standards.
+- **Code Review:** Identify security issues with regular code reviews.
+- **Security Testing:** Find vulnerabilities through testing and manual penetration testing.
+- **Deployment:** Use secure practices and regularly update systems.
+- **Maintenance:** Monitor applications for suspicious activity.
+- **Incident Response:** Have a clear plan and conduct post-incident reviews.
+- **Security Training and Education:** Provide ongoing training and promote a culture of security.
+
+## Introduction to Secure Coding Best Practices
+
+- **Video Introduction:** A cybersecurity expert introduces secure coding and the OWASP Top 10.
+- **Content Highlights:** Explore OWASP vulnerabilities and learn mitigation techniques.
+
+## OWASP Top 10 Quiz
+
+- **What does OWASP stand for?** Open Web Application Security Project
+- **Which is a key practice in secure coding?** Regular code reviews and testing
+
+## Application Security Threats
+
+- **What is NOT a common threat?** Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
+- **Why is regular security testing important?** To identify and fix vulnerabilities early
+
+## Further Reading and Research
+
+- [OWASP Top 10](https://owasp.org/www-project-top-ten/)
+- [NIST Guide to Application Security](https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-95.pdf)
+- [Secure Coding Practices Quick Reference Guide](https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Secure_Coding_Cheat_Sheet.html)
+
+## Defining Application Security
+
+- **Definition:** Defend web and mobile applications from cyber threats.
+- **Importance:** Protect sensitive data and maintain trustworthy systems.
+- **Scope:** Create a secure development lifecycle from planning to deployment.
+
+## Interactive Scenario: Identify the AppSec Practices
+
+- **Scenario:** Choose the correct AppSec practice for each stage of software development.
+- **Educational Takeaway:** Reinforce the significance of application security throughout the SDLC.
+
+## Quiz: Basics of Application Security
+
+- **What is the primary goal of application security?** To protect applications from unauthorized access and vulnerabilities.
+- **At which stage is application security NOT relevant?** It is relevant at all stages.
+
+## Application Security Lifecycle Diagram
+
+- **Context:** Align application security activities with each SDLC phase.
+- **Reference:** Based on Microsoft's Security Development Lifecycle and OWASP guidelines.
+
+## Additional Resources for Further Learning
+
+- [Comprehensive Guide to Application Security](https://www.veracode.com/security/application-security)
+- [Application Security Best Practices Handbook](https://www.synopsys.com/software-integrity/resources/white-papers/application-security-best-practices.html)
+- [Intro to Application Security Course](https://www.cybrary.it/course/intro-application-security/)
+
+## Secure Coding Summary Checklist
+
+- **Define Secure Coding:** Write software to guard against vulnerabilities.
+- **Adopt a Security-First Mindset:** Consider security from the start.
+- **Follow Key Principles:** Input validation, authentication, error handling, data encryption.
+- **Incorporate Best Practices:** Integrate security in the SDLC and conduct regular code reviews.
+- **Understand Challenges:** Keep up with threats, balance security with usability, allocate resources.
+- **Learn from Real-World Incidents:** Analyze breaches and their prevention.
+- **Assess Your Knowledge:** Engage with quizzes and exercises.
+- **Utilize Additional Resources:** Reference OWASP guidelines and explore further learning materials.
+
+## Introduction to the OWASP Top 10
+
+- **Understanding the OWASP Top 10:** Outline its role in web application security and risk awareness.
+- **Overview of Vulnerabilities:** Explain each OWASP risk and its mitigation strategies.
+- **Interactive Quiz:** Assess understanding of the OWASP Top 10.
+- **Additional Resources:** Deepen knowledge with further reading and interactive tools.
+
+## Key Concepts in Application Security
+
+- **Introduction to Concepts:** Understand the essential principles of secure application development.
+- **Core Concepts:** Explore threat modeling and risk management.
+- **Interactive Scenario:** Apply AppSec practices in a mock development project.